Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
C L A I M S
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A method for controlling the reception of selected television
channels by individual subscribers in a CATV system, which sslected
television channels are individually referred to as channel z, comprised
of the following steps:
(A) Selecting and generating a Reference Frequency ("RFz") for each of
the channels "z", which is stable in frequency, wherein RFz is a
suitable frequency to jam channel z;
(B) Using a generating means to generate a frequency the amplitude of
which is slightly greater than the amplitude of the frequency of
the carrier wave of a typical television signal;
(C) Sending a Frequency Generation Signal ("FGSa") to the generating
means, which causes the generating means to generate a jamming
frequency ("JFa") that is similar to the carrier wave frequency of
a typical television channel's signal, and of a slightly greater
amplitude;
(D) Comparing JFa to RFz, and if JFa is higher or lower than RFz,
sending a different FGSa, which is either lower in voltage or
higher in voltage, respectively, than the previous FGSa, by an
initial amount, to the generating means, causing it to generate a
new JFa, then again comparing JFa with RFz, and if JFa is higher
or lower than RFZ, sending a new FGSa, which is either lower in
voltge or higher in voltage, respectively, than the previous FGSa,
by less than the previous amount, to the generating means, causing
it to generate a new JFa, which is again compared to RFz, until
the last increase or decrease in the frequency of JFa was < I,
where "I" is a frequency value such that RFz + I would jam channel
z, if the amplitude of RFz + I was within the correct parameters;
(E) Remembering the last FGSa, as FGSz, wherein FGSz is the FGSa that
causes the generating means to generate a JFa that will jam
channel z, wherein the JFa that will jam channel z is called JFz;
(F) Continuing steps (C), (D), and (E), until there is remembered a
FGSz for each channel z, and then suspending steps (C), (D), and
(E);
(G) In continuous rotation, each for durations suitable for jamming
the horizontal synchronization signal, combining JFz with the
television channels signals being transmitted to subscribers who
are not entitled to receive the television signal which JFz is
jamming; and
(H) Where "T" is a number to be selected as desired and appropriate,
after every T minutes, suspending step (G) for a period long
enough for steps (E) to (F) to be repeated, repeating steps (E) to
(F), and then resuming step (G).
2. A method for controlling the reception of selected television
channels by individual subscribers in a CATV system, which selected
television channels are individually referred to as channel z, comprised
of the following steps:
(A) Selecting and generating a Reference Frequency ("RFz") for each of
the channels "z", which is stable in frequency amplitude, wherein
RFz is a suitable frequency to jam channel z;
(B) Using a generating means to generate a frequency the amplitude of
which is slightly greater than the amplitude of the frequency of
the carrier wave of a typical television signal;
(C) Sending a Frequency Generation Signal ("FGSa") to the
generating means, which causes the generating means to generate a
jamming frequency ("JFa") that is similar to the carrier wave
frequency of a typical television channel's signal, and of a
slightly greater amplitude;
(D) Comparing JFa to RFz, and if JFa is higher or lower than RFz,
sending a different FGSa, which is either lower in voltage or
higher in voltage, respectively, than the previous FGSa, by an
initial amount, to the generating means, causing it to generate a
new JFa, then again comparing JFa with RFz, and if JFa is higher
or lower than RFz, sending a new FGSa, which is either lower in
voltge or higher in voltage, respectively, than the previous FGSa,
by half of the previous amount, to the generating means, causing
it to generate a new JFa, which is again compared to RFz, until:
(i) the last increase or decrease in the frequency of JFa was < I,
where "I" is a frequency value such that RFz + I would jam channel
z, if the amplitude of RFz + I was within the correct parameters,
and (ii) the second last increase or decrease in the frequency of
JFa was < I, and (iii) the second last increase or decrease in the
frequency of JFa was the opposite of the last increase or decrease
in JFa;
(E) Remembering whichever of the last and second last FGSa's resulted
in JFa > RFz, as FGSz, wherein FGSz is the FGSa that causes the
generating means to generate a JFa that will jam channel z,
wherein the JFa that will jam channel z is called JFz;
(F) Continuing steps (D) and (E), until there is remembered a FGSz for
each channel z, and then suspending steps (D) and (E);
(G) In continuous rotation, each for durations suitable for jamming
the horizontal synchronization signal, combining JFz with the
television channels signals being transmitted to subscribers who
are not entitled to receive the television signal which JFz is
jamming; and
(H) Where "T" is a number to be selected as desired and appropriate,
after every T minutes, suspending step (G) for a period long
enough for steps (D) to (F) to be repeated, repeating steps (D) to
(F), and then resuming step (G).
3. A method for controlling the reception of selected television
channels by individual subscribers in a CATV system, which selected
television channels are individually referred to as channel z, as defined
in claims 1 or 2, which is further comprised of, during step (G), also
in continuous rotation, at predetermined intervals, each for durations
suitable for jamming the vertical synchronization signal, combining JFz
with the television channels signals being transmitted to subscribers who
are not entitled to receive the television signal which JFz is jamming.
4. A method for controlling the reception of selected television
channels by individual subscribers in a CATV system, which selected
television channels are individually referred to as channel z, as defined
in claims 1 or 2, wherein each JFz is stable in both frequency and
amplitude.
5. A method for controlling the reception of selected television
channels by individual subscribers in a CATV system, which selected
television channels are individually referred to as channel z, as defined
in claims 1 or 2, which is further comprised of, during step (G), also
in continuous rotation, at predetermined intervals, each for durations
suitable for jamming the vertical synchronization signal, combining JFz
with the television channels signals being transmitted to subscribers who
are not entitled to receive the television signal which JFz is jamming;
and wherein each JFz is stable in both frequency and amplitude.
6. A method for controlling the reception of selected television
channels by individual subscribers in a CATV system, which selected
television channels are individually referred to as channel z, as defined
in claims 1 or 2, wherein each JFz is stable in both frequency and
amplitude, and which is also comprised of, during step (G) periodically
varying the frequency of JFz within a range that will still allow each
JFz to be an effective jamming signal.
7. A method for controlling the reception of selected television
channels by individual subscribers in a CATV system, which selected
television channels are individually referred to as channel z, as defined
in claims 1 or 2, which is further comprised of, during step (G), also
in continuous rotation, at predetermined intervals, each for durations
suitable for jamming the vertical synchronization signal, combining JFz
with the television channels signals being transmitted to subscribers who
are not entitled to receive the television signal which JFz is jamming;
and also, during step (G) periodically varying the frequency of JFz
within a range that will still allow each JFz to be an effective jamming
signal.
8. A method for controlling the reception of selected television
channels by individual subscribers in a CATV system, which selected
television channels are individually referred to as channel z, as defined
in claims 1 or 2, wherein each JFz is stable in frequency, and which is
also comprised of during step (G) periodically varying the amplitude of
JFz within a range that will still allow each JFz to be an effective
jamming signal.
9. A method for controlling the reception of selected television
channels by individual subscribers in a CATV system, which selected
television channels are individually referred to as channel z, as defined
in claims 1 or 2, which is further comprised of, during step (G), also
in continuous rotation, at predetermined intervals, each for durations
suitable for jamming the vertical synchronization signal, combining JFz
with the television channels signals being transmitted to subscribers who
are not entitled to receive the television signal which JFz is jamming;
and also during step (G) periodically varying the amplitude of JFz within
a range that will still allow each JFz to be an effective jamming signal.
10. A method for controlling the reception of selected television
channels by individual subscribers in a CATV system, which selected
television channels are individually referred to as channel z, as defined
in claims 1 or 2, wherein each JFz is stable in frequency, and which is
also comprised of during step (G) periodically varying the frequency and
amplitude of JFz within ranges that will still allow each JFz to be an
effective jamming signal.
11. A method for controlling the reception of selected television
channels by individual subscribers in a CATV system, which selected
television channels are individually referred to as channel Z, as defined
in claims 1 or 2, which is further comprised of, during step (G), also
in continuous rotation, at predetermined intervals, each for durations
suitable for jamming the vertical synchronization signal, combining JFz
with the television channels signals being transmitted to subscribers who
are not entitled to receive the television signal which JFz is jamming;
and also, during step (G) periodically varying the frequency and
amplitude of JFz within ranges that will still allow each JFz to be an
effective jamming signal.
12. An apparatus for generating and controlling the application of,
where N is an integer greater than 1 and less than 13, N jamming signals to
individual subscribers' lines in a CATV system which is offering at least N
channels that are individually referred to as channel z, comprised of:
(A) A Voltage Controlled Oscillator ("VCO") for generating, one at a
time, a number of different frequencies, each of which is
generally referred to as ("JFa"), and each of which is similar to
the frequency of a typical television signal's carrier wave, but
of a slightly greater amplitude;
(B) A set of Subscriber Jamming Signal Switches, each of which
receives the JFa, and each of which will transmit the JFa to the
subscriber's line to which it is connected, when it is closed;
(C) A Reference Frequency Generating Means that generates a stable
reference frequency ("REF");
(D) A Comparison Means that receives the JFa, and that receives the
REF, and that can divide the JFa by a factor of "Dz", wherein Dz
is a factor such that when JFa/Dz = REF, JFa is a frequency
suitable for jamming channel z, and wherein the comparison means
can compare the REF to JFa/Dz, and determine if REF is greater
than or less than JFa/Dz, and which Comparison Means can output
the results of the comparison; and
(E) A service control center ("SCC") that receives information from
the CATV system on which subscribers are entitled to receive which
television signals; and which outputs a Frequency Generating
Signal ("FGSa") to the VCO, that determines the frequency of JFa,
and which, based on the information it receives from the CATV
system, as to the frequencies of the carrier waves of each of
channels z, determines the value of Dz that the Comparison Means
must divide JFa by, so that if JFa/Dz = REF, JFa will be the
appropriate frequency for jamming the television signal of channel
z, and which starts the system by beginning step "Test" by sending
a FGSa to the VCO, causing it to generate JFa, and then sending
the appropriate information on the value of Dz, to the Comparison
Means, and then receiving from the Comparison Means, a first
signal if the comparison resulted in JFa/Dz > REF, and a second
signal if the comparison resulted in JFa/Dz < REF, and if JFa/Dz
is higher or lower than REF, sending a different FGSa, which is
either lower in voltage or higher in voltage, respectively, than
the previous FGSa, by an initial amount, to the VCO, causing it to
generate a different JFa, then, when the SCC receives the result
of the new comparison from the Comparison Means, if JFa/Dz is
higher or lower than REF, again sending a different FGSa, which is
either lower in voltge or higher in voltage, respectively, than
the previous FGSa, by less than the previous increase or decrease,
to the VCO, then again receiving the results of the comparison of
JFa/D to REF, and continuing to receive the results of the
comparison and to send out different FGSa's, until the last
increase or decrease in the frequency of JFa was < I, where"I" is
a pre-determined frequency value such that (REF x Dz) + I is a
correct frequency to jam channel z), and then the SCC stores the
last FGSa, as FGSz, wherein FGSz is the FGSz that causes the
generating means to generate a JFa that will jam channel z,
wherein the JFa that will jam channel z is called JFZ, and the SCC
continues the above series of operations until there is stored a
FGSz for each of the channels to be jammed, once all of the FGSz's
have been stored step Test is ended, then the SCC suspends the
operations of step Test and begins step Jam by sending, in
continuous rotation, each for durations of approximately 6 to 10
µS, each of the FGSz's to the VCO, and closing each of the
Subscriber Jamming Signal Switches to the subscribers'lines who
are not entitled to receive the television signal of channel z,
when JFz is being generated by the VCO, and opening the Jamming
Signal Switches of those subscribers who are entitled to receive
channel z, then, after a pre-determined period of time the SCC
suspends step Jam for a period of time long enough for step Test
to be performed, and again performs step Test, and then again
suspends step Test and again resumes step Jam, and continues to
alternate between steps Test and Jam, at predetermined periods of
time.
13. An apparatus for generating and controlling the application of,
where N is an integer greater than 1 and less than 13, N jamming signals to
individual subscribers' lines in a CATV system which is offering at least N
channels that are individually referred to as channel z, comprised of:
(A) A Voltage Controlled Oscillator ("VCO") for generating, one at a
time, a number of different frequencies, each of which is
generally referred to as ("JFa"), and each of which is similar to
the frequency of a typical television signal's carrier wave, but
of a slightly greater amplitude;
(B) A set of Subscriber Jamming Signal Switches, each of which
receives the JFa, and each of which will transmit the JFa to the
subscriber's line to which it is connected, when it is closed;
(C) A Reference Frequency Generating Means that generates a reference
frequency ("REF"), which is stable in frequency;
(D) A Comparison Means that receives the JFa, and that receives the
REF, and that can divide the JFa by a factor of "Dz", wherein Dz
is a factor such that when JFa/Dz = REF, JFa is a frequency
suitable for jamming channel z, and wherein the comparison means
can compare the REF to JFa/Dz, and determine if REF is greater
than or less than JFa/Dz, and which Comparison Means can output
the results of the comparison; and
(E) A service control center ("SCC") that receives information from
the CATV system on which subscribers are entitled to receive which
television signals; and which outputs a Frequency Generating
Signal ("FGSa") to the VCO, that determines the frequency of JFa,
and which, based on the information it receives from the CATV
system, as to the frequencies of the carrier waves of each of
channels z, determines the value of Dz that the Comparison Means
must divide JFa by, so that if JFa/Dz = REF, JFa will be the
appropriate frequency for jamming the television signal of channel
z, and which starts the system by beginning step "Test" by sending
a FGSa to the VCO, causing it to generate JFa, and then sending
the appropriate information on the value of Dz, to the Comparison
Means, and then receiving from the Comparison Means, a first
signal if the comparison resulted in JFa/Dz > REF, and a second
signal if the comparison resulted in JFa/Dz < REF, and if JFa/Dz
is higher or lower than REF, sending a different FGSa, which is
either lower in voltage or higher in voltage, respectively, than
the previous FGSa, by an initial amount, to the VCO, causing it to
generate a different JFa, then, when the SCC receives the result
of the new comparison from the Comparison Means, if JFa/Dz is
higher or lower than REF, again sending a different FGSa, which is
either lower in voltage or higher in voltage, respectively, than
the previous FGSa, by half of the previous increase or decrease,
to the VCO, then again receiving the results of the comparison of
JFa/D to REF, and continuing to receive the results of the
comparison and to send out different FGSa's, until: (i) the last
increase or decrease in the frequency of JFa was < I, where "I"
is a pre-determined, fixed, frequency value such that (REF x Dz)
+ I is a correct frequency to jam channel z), and (ii) the second
last increase or decrease in the frequency of JFa was < I, and
(iii) the second last increase or decrease in the frequency of
JFa was the opposite of the last increase or decrease in JFa,
then the SCC stores whichever of the last and second last FGSa's
resulted in JFa/Dz > REF, as FGSz, wherein FGSz is the FGSz that
causes the generating means to generate a JFa that will jam
channel z, wherein the JFa that will jam channel z is called JFz,
and the SCC continues the above series of operations until there
is stored a FGSz for each of the channels to be jammed, once all
of the FGSz's have been stored step Test is ended, then the SCC
suspends the operations of step Test and begins step Jam by
sending, in continuous rotation, each for durations of
approximately 6 to 10 µS, each of the FGSz's to the VCO, and
closing each of the Subscriber Jamming Signal Switches to the
subscribers'lines who are not entitled to receive the television
signal of channel z, when JFz is being generated by the VCO, and
opening the Jamming Signal Switches of those subscribers who are
entitled to receive channel z, then, after a pre-determined period
of time the SCC suspends step Jam for a period of time long enough
for step Test to be performed, and again performs step Test, and
then again suspends step Test and again resumes step Jam, and
continues to alternate between steps Test and Jam, at
predetermined periods of time.
14. An apparatus for generating and controlling the application of,
where N is an integer greater than 1 and less than 13, N jamming signals to
individual subscribers' lines in a CATV system which is offering at least N
channels that are individually referred to as channel z, as defined in
claims 12 or 13, wherein the SCC additionally, during step Jam, sends out,
in continuous rotation, every 15 to 20 mS/N, each for durations of
approximately 150 to 300 /µS, each of the FGSz's to the VCO, and closes each
of the Subscriber Jamming Signal Switches to the subscribers' lines who are
not entitled to receive the television signal of channel z, when JFz is
being generated by the VCO, and opens the Jamming Signal Switches of those
subscribers who are entitled to receive channel z.
15. An apparatus for generating and controlling the application of,
where N is an integer greater than 1 and less than 13, N jamming signals to
individual subscribers' lines in a CATV system which is offering at least N
channels that are individually referred to as channel z, as defined in
claims 12 or 13, wherein the SCC additionally, during step Jam, sends out,
in continuous rotation, every 15 to 20 mS/N, each for durations of
approximately 150 to 300 µS, each of the FGSz's to the VCO, and closing
each of the Subscriber Jamming Signal Switches to the subscribers' lines
who are not entitled to receive the television signal of channel z, when
JFz is being generated by the VCO, and opening the Jamming Signal Switches
of those subscribers who are entitled to receive channel z, and wherein the
SCC, also during step Jam, periodically varies FGSz so that each JFz's
frequency varies within acceptable limits a predetermined number of times
per second.
16. A method for controlling the reception of, where N is an integer
greater than 1 and less than 13, N selected television channels by
individual subscribers in a CATV system, which channels are individually
referred to as channel z, comprised of:
(A) Generating a Reference Frequency ("REF");
(B) Sending an initial Frequency Generation Signal ("FGSa") to a
generating means, which causes the generating means to generate a
jamming frequency ("JFa") that is stable in frequency and of a
slightly greater amplitude than the amplitude of the carrier wave
of a typical television signal;
(C) Dividing JFa by "Dz", where Dz is a factor such that JFa will have
a frequency suitable for jamming channel z when JFa/Dz = REF, and
then comparing JFa/Dz to REF, and if JFa/Dz is higher or lower in
frequency than REF sending a different FGSa, which is either lower
in voltage or higher in voltage, respectively, than the previous
FGSa, by an initial amount, to the generating means, causing it to
generate a new JFa, then again comparing the generated JFa,
divided by Dz, with REF, and if JFa/Dz is higher or lower than
REF, sending a new FGSa, which is either lower in voltage or
higher in voltage, respectively, than the previous FGSa, by less
than the previous amount, to the generating means, causing it to
generate a new JFa, which, divided by Dz, is again compared to
REF, until the last increase or decrease in the frequency of JFa
was < I, where I is a frequency value such that if JFa would jam
channel z, then JFa + I would jam channel z, and then storing the
last FGSa, as FGSz, wherein FGSz is the FGSa that causes the
generating means to generate a JFa that will jam channel z, which
JFa is called JFz;
(D) Continuing steps (B) and (C) until there is a stored FGSz for each
channel z, and then suspending steps (B) and (C);
(E) After step (D), in continuous rotation, each for durations of
approximately 6 to 10 µS, combining JFz with the television
channels signals being transmitted to subscribers who are not
entitled to receive the television signal which JFz is jamming;
and
(F) After each period of T minutes suspending step (E) for a period of
time for a period long enough for steps (B), (C), and (D) to be
performed, performing said steps, and then resuming step (E).
17. A method for controlling the reception of, where N is an integer
greater than 1 and less than 13, N selected television channels by
individual subscribers in a CATV system, which channels are individually
referred to as channel z, comprised of:
(A) Generating a Reference Frequency ("REF");
(B) Sending a Frequency Generation Signal ("FGSa") to a generating
means, which causes the generating means to generate a jamming
frequency ("JFa") that is stable in frequency and of a slightly
greater amplitude than the amplitude of the carrier wave of a
typical television signal;
(C) Dividing JFa by "Dz", where Dz is a factor such that JFa will have
a frequency suitable for jamming channel z when JFa/Dz = REF, and
then comparing JFa/Dz to REF, and if JFa/Dz is higher or lower in
frequency than REF sending a different FGSa, which is either lower
in voltage or higher in voltage, respectively, than the previous
FGSa, by an initial amount, to the generating means, causing it to
generate a new JFa, then again comparing the generated JFa,
divided by Dz, with REF, and if JFa/Dz is higher or lower than
REF, sending a new FGSa, which is either lower in voltage or
higher in voltage, respectively, than the previous FGSa, by half
of the previous amount, to the generating means, causing it to
generate a new JFa, which, divided by Dz, is again compared to
REF, until: (a) the last increase or decrease in the frequency of
JFa was < I, where I is a frequency value such that if JFa would
jam channel z, then JFa + I would jam channel z, and (b) the
second last increase or decrease in the frequency of JFa was < I,
and (c) the second last increase or decrease in the frequency of
JFa was the opposite of the last increase or decrease in JFa,
then storing whichever of the last and second last FGSa's resulted
in JFa/Dz > REF, as FGSz, wherein FGSz is the FGSa that causes
the generating means to generate a JFa that will jam channel z,
which JFa is called JFz;
(D) Continuing step (C) until there is a stored FGSz for each channel
z, and then suspending step (C);
(E) After step (D), in continuous rotation, each for durations of
approximately 6 to 10 µS, combining JFz with the television
channels signals being transmitted to subscribers who are not
entitled to receive the television signal which JFz is jamming;
and
(F) After each period of T minutes suspending step (E) for a period of
time for a period long enough for steps (C) and (D) to be
performed, performing said steps, and then resuming step (E).
18. A method for controlling the reception of, where N is an integer
greater than 1 and less than 13, N selected television channels by
individual subscribers in a CATV system, which channels are individually
referred to as channel z, as defined in claims 16 or 17, which is further
comprised of, during step (E), also in continuous rotation, once every 15
to 20 mS/N, each for periods of approximately 150 to 300 µS, combining JFz
with the television channels signals being transmitted to subscribers who
are not entitled to receive the television signal which JFz is jamming.
19. A method for controlling the reception of, where N is an integer
greater than 1 and less than 13, N selected television channels by
individual subscribers in a CATV system, which channels are individually
referred to as channel z, as defined in claims 16 or 17, which is further
comprised of, during step (E), also in continuous rotation, once every 15
to 20 mS/N, each for durations of approximately 150 to 300 µS, combining
JFz with the television channels signals being transmitted to subscribers
who are not entitled to receive the television signal which JFz is jamming,
and also during step (E) periodically varying the frequency of JFz within a
range that will still allow each JFz to be an effective jamming signal.
20. A method for controlling the reception of, where N is an integer
greater than 1 and less than 13, N selected television channels by
individual subscribers in a CATV system, which channels are individually
referred to as channel z, as defined in claims 16 or 17, which is further
comprised of, during step (E), also in continuous rotation, once every 15
to 20 mS/N, each for durations of approximately 150 to 300 µS, combining
JFz with the television channels signals being transmitted to subscribers
who are not entitled to receive the television signal which JFz is jamming,
and also during step (E), periodically varying the amplitude of JFz within
a range that will still allow each JFz to be an effective jamming signal.
21. A method for controlling the reception of, where N is an integer
greater than 1 and less than 13, N selected television channels by
individual subscribers in a CATV system, which channels are individually
referred to as channel z, as defined in claims 16 or 17, which is further
comprised of, during step (E), also in continuous rotation, once every 15
to 20 mS/N, each for durations of approximately 150 to 300 µS, combining
JFz with the television channels signals being transmitted to subscribers
who are not entitled to receive the television signal which JFz is jamming,
and also during step (E), periodically varying the frequency and amplitude
of JFz within ranges that will still allow each JFz to be an effective
jamming signal.
22. A method for controlling the reception of, where N is an integer
greater than l and less than 13, N selected television channels by
individual subscribers in a CATV system, which channels are individually
referred to as channel z, as defined in claims 16 or 17, which is further
comprised of, during step (E), also in continuous rotation, once every 15
to 20 mS/N, each for durations of approximately 150 to 300 µS, combining
JFz with the television channels signals being transmitted to subscribers
who are not entitled to receive the television signal which JFz is jamming,
and also during step (E), periodically varying the frequency and amplitude
of JFz within ranges that will still allow each JFz to be an effective
jamming signal, and wherein N = 12.
23. An apparatus for generating and controlling the application of 12
jamming signals to individual subscribers' lines in a CATV system which
is offering at least 12 channels that are individually referred to as
channel z, comprised of:
(A) A Voltage Controlled Oscillator ("VCO") for generating, one at a
time, a number of different frequencies, each of which is
generally referred to as ("JFa") and each of which is of a
slightly greater amplitude than the carrier wave frequency of the
signal of a typical television signal;
(B) A set of Subscriber Jamming Signal Switches, each of which
receives the JFa, and each of which will transmit the JFa to the
subscriber's line to which it is connected, when it is closed;
(C) A Quartz Crystal Reference Frequency Generating Means that
generates a reference frequency ("REF"), which is stable
in frequency;
(D) A Frequency Comparator Circuit ("FCC") that receives the JFa and
that receives the REF and can divide the JFa by a factor of "Dz",
wherein if JFa/Dz = REF, then JFa is a correct frequency to jam
the horizontal synchronization signal of channel z, and which FCC
can compare the JFa/Dz to REF and determine if one is greater than
the other;
(E) A Integrator that receives result from the FCC and averages it to
produce a first signal if JFa/Dz > REF, and produces a second
signal if JFa/Dz < REF;
(F) A Digital to Analog Converter ("DAC") which outputs, one at a
time, a variety of different analog voltages, in response to
digital signals that are inputted to it; and
(G) A Service Control Center ("SCC") that receives information from
the CATV system on which subscribers are entitled to receive which
television signals; and which begins step "Test" by outputing a
Digital Code that represents a Signal ("DCSa") to the DAC, which
converts it into an analog Frequency Generating Signal ("FGSa")
which it sends to the VCO, resulting in the VCO outputting a JFa,
then the SCC, based on the information it receives from the head
end as to the frequencies of the channels to be jammed, determines
the value of Dz, the SCC then sends the information of what value
Dz should be to the FCC, the SCC then receives a first signal from
the Integrator if the comparison in the FCC resulted in JFa/Dz >
REF, and a second signal if the comparison resulted in JFa/Dz <
REF, respectively, if JFa/Dz is higher or lower than REF, the SCC
sends a different DCSa, which will result in a JFa that is either
lower in frequency or higher in frequency, than the previous JFa,
by an initial amount, then when the SCC receives the result of the
new comparison, respectively, if JFa/Dz is higher or lower than
REF, the SOC sends a different DCSa, which will result in a JFa
that is either lower in frequency or higher in frequency, than the
previous JFa, by less than the previous increase or decrease,
until the last increase or decrease in the frequency of JFa was <
I, where "I" is a pre-determined, fixed, frequency value, such
that if JFz would be a correct frequency to jam channel z, JFa + I
would also be a correct frequency to jam channel z, at which time
the SCC stores the last DCSa, as DCSz, wherein DCSz is the DCSa
that results in the VCO generating a JFa that will jam channel z,
wherein the JFa that will jam channel z is called JFz, the SCC
continues to operate as stated until there is a stored DCSz for
each of the channels to be jammed, then the SCC suspends the
operations of step Test and begins step Jam by sending, in
continuous rotation, each for durations of between approximately
6 and 10 µS, each of the DCSz's to the VCO, and closing each of
the Subscriber Jamming Signal Switches to the subscribers who are
not entitled to receive the television signal of channel z, when
DCSz is being sent to the VCO,and opening the Jamming Signal
Switches of those subscribers who are entitled to receive channel
z, when DCSz is being sent to the VCO, then after a pre-determined
period of time T1 the SCC suspends step Jam for a period of time
T2, which is long enough for step Test to be performed, and the
SCC again performs step Test, and then the SCC again suspends step
Test for a period of time T1, and again resumes step Jam for
period T2, and continues to alternate between steps Test and Jam,
during periods T2 and T1, respectively.
24. An apparatus for generating and controlling the application of 12
jamming signals to individual subscribers' lines in a CATV system which
is offering at least 12 channels that are individually referred to as
channel z, comprised of:
(A) A Voltage Controlled Oscillator ("VCO") for generating, one at a
time, a number of different frequencies, each of which is
generally referred to as ("JFa") and each of which is of a
slightly greater amplitude than the carrier wave frequency of the
signal of a typical television signal;
(B) A set of Subscriber Jamming Signal Switches, each of which
receives the JFa, and each of which will transmit the JFa to the
subscriber's line to which it is connected, when it is closed;
(C) A Quartz Crystal Reference Frequency Generating Means that
generates a reference frequency ("REF"), which is stable
in frequency;
(D) A Frequency Comparator Circuit ("FCC") that receives the JFa and
that receives the REF and can divide the JFa by a factor of "Dz",
wherein if JFa/Dz =REF, then JFa is a correct frequency to jam the
horizontal synchronization signal of channel z, and which FCC can
compare the JFa/Dz to REF and determine if one is greater than the
other;
(E) A Integrator that receives result from the FCC and averages it to
produce a first signal if JFa/Dz > REF, and produces a second
signal if JFa/Dz < REF;
(F) A Digital to Analog Converter ("DAC") which outputs, one at a
time, a variety of different analog voltages, in response to
digital signals that are inputted to it; and
(G) A Service Control Center ("SCC") that receives information from
the CATV system on which subscribers are entitled to receive which
television signals; and which begins step "Test" by outputing a
Digital Code that represents a Signal ("DCSa") to the DAC, which
converts it into an analog Frequency Generating Signal ("FGSa")
which it sends to the VCO, resulting in the VCO outputting a JFa,
then the SCC, based on the information it receives from the head
end as to the frequencies of the channels to be jammed, determines
the value of Dz, the SCC then sends the information of what value
Dz should be to the FCC, the SCC then receives a first signal from
the Integrator if the comparison in the FCC resulted in JFa/Dz >
REF, and a second signal if the comparison resulted in JFa/Dz <
REF, respectively, if JFa/Dz is higher or lower than REF, the SCC
sends a different DCSa, which will result in a JFa that is either
lower in frequency or higher in frequency, than the previous JFa,
by an initial amount, then when the SCC receives the result of the
new comparison, respectively, if JFa/Dz is higher or lower than
REF, the SCC sends a different DCSa, which will result in a JFa
that is either lower in frequency or higher in frequency, than the
previous JFa, by half of the previous increase or decrease, until:
(a) the last increase or decrease in the frequency of JFa was < I,
where "I" is a pre-determined, fixed, frequency value, such that
if JFz would be a correct frequency to jam channel z, JFa + I
would also be a correct frequency to jam channel z; and (b) the
second last increase or decrease in the frequency of JFa was < I,
and (c) the second last increase or decrease in the frequency of
JFa was the opposite of the last increase or decrease in JFa, at
which time the SCC stores whichever of the last and second last
DCSa's resulted in JFa/Dz > REF, as DCSz, wherein DCSz is the
DCSa that results in the VCO generating a JFa that will jam
channel z, wherein the JFa that will jam channel z is called JFz,
the SCC continues to operate as stated until there is a stored
DCSz for each of the channels to be jammed, then the SCC suspends
the operations of step Test and begins step Jam by sending, in
continuous rotation, each for durations of between approximately
6 and 10 µS, each of the DCSz's to the VCO, and closing each of
the Subscriber Jamming Signal Switches to the subscribers who are
not entitled to receive the television signal of channel z, when
DCSz is being sent to the VCO, and opening the Jamming Signal
Switches of those subscribers who are entitled to receive channel
z, when DCSz is being sent to the VCO, then after a pre-determined
period of time T1 the SCC suspends step Jam for a period of time
T2, which is long enough for step Test to be performed, and the
SCC again performs step Test, and then the SCC again suspends step
Test for a period of time T1, and again resumes step Jam for
period T2, and continues to alternate between steps Test and Jam,
during periods T2 and T1, respectively.
25. An apparatus for generating and controlling the application of 12
jamming signals to individual subscribers' lines in a CATV system which
is offering at least 12 channels that are individually referred to as
channel z, as defined in claims 23 or 24, wherein the SCC additionally,
during step Jam, sends, approximately once every 1.21 to 1.66mS, in
continuous rotation, 0.15 to 0.30 mS long pulses of each of the DCSz's to
the VCO, and closes each of the Subscriber Jamming Signal Switches to the
subscribers who are not entitled to receive the television signal of
channel z, when DCSz is being sent to the VCO, and opens the Jamming Signal
Switches of those subscribers who are entitled to receive channel z, when
DCSz is being sent to the VCO.
26. An apparatus for generating and controlling the application of 12
jamming signals to individual subscribers' lines in a CATV system which
is offering at least 12 channels that are individually referred to as
channel z, as defined in claims 23 or 24, wherein the SCC additionally,
during step Jam, sends, approximately once every 1.21 to 1,66 mS, in
continuous rotation, 0.15 to 0.30 mS long pulses of each of the DCSz's to
the VCO, and closes each of the Subscriber Jamming Signal Switches to the
subscribers who are not entitled to receive the television signal of
channel z, when DCSz is being sent to the VCO, and opens the Jamming Signal
Switches of those subscribers who are entitled to receive channel z, when
DCSz is being sent to the VCO, and wherein the SCC also, during step Jam,
varies the digital code it sends out as DCSz, so that the frequency of JFz
varies slightly a predetermined number of times per second.
27. An apparatus for generating and controlling the application of 12
jamming signals to individual subscribers' lines in a CATV system which
is offering at least 12 channels that are individually referred to as
channel z, as defined in claims 23 or 24, which is further comprised of:
(H) A Buffer that receives the JFz from the VCO;
(I) A Master Switch that receives the JFz from the Buffer;
(J) A Variable Attenuator that receives the JFz from the Master
Switch;
(K) A Low Pass Filter that eleminates harmonics, which receives JFz
from the Master Switch, and which eliminates any harmonics in JFz;
(L) wherein the JFz generated by the VCO is outputted to the Buffer,
then to the Master Switch, then to the Variable Attenuator, then
to the Low Pass Filter, and from the Low Pass Filter to the
Subscriber Jamming Signal Switches; and
(M) wherein the SCC additionally, during step Jam, sends,
approximately once every 1.21 to 1.66mS, in continuous rotation,
0.15 to 0.30 mS long pulses of each of the DCSz's to the VCO, and
closes each of the Subscriber Jamming Signal Switches to the
subscribers who are not entitled to receive the television signal
of channel z, when DCSz is being sent to the VCO, and opens the
Jamming Signal Switches of those subscribers who are entitled to
receive channel z, when DCSz is being sent to the VCO, and wherein
the SCC also, during step Jam, varies the digital code it sends
out as DCSz, so that the frequency of JFz varies slightly a
predetermined number of times per second, and wherein the SCC
also, during step Jam, varies the signal it sends to the Variable
Attenuator, so that the Variable Attenuator slightly varies the
amplitude of JFz a predetermined number of times per second to
achieve an even more effective jamming.